Greater Moncton, N.B., January 20, 2026 – Last Thursday, as part of the kickoff for Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada, an exceptional gesture of generosity was made toward our region's youth. The Moncton Wildcats Hockey Club, J.D. Irving, Limited, and Mr. Robert Irving personally, proudly presented a $100,000 donation to the organizations PRO Kids Riverview, P.R.O. Kids Dieppe-Memramcook, and MYRAP (Moncton Youth Recreation Assistance Program).

A Focus on Wellness and Inclusion

This donation is a vital lever in making recreational activities—particularly sports—accessible to children from low-income families. By removing financial barriers, these programs allow youth to thrive and develop crucial life skills such as self-confidence and perseverance. Jonathan Pitre, Community Development Officer for the City of Moncton (MYRAP), emphasizes the importance of this equity: "This support is much more than financial aid; it is a driver of equality for our communities. It allows Greater Moncton youth to participate actively, ensuring that talent and passion are never hindered by economic constraints."

The most valuable aspect of the program lies in its confidentiality: youth participate in activities of their choice without feeling different from their peers. Because they are often unaware they are receiving outside support, they can fully integrate and feel "just like the others," fostering true social inclusion.

A Measurable Impact on Thousands of Lives

Over the past 16 years, Mr. Robert Irving, the Wildcats, and J.D. Irving has injected an impressive total of $930,000 into these three Greater Moncton organizations to guarantee this accessibility.

Thousands of children have benefited from these programs since their inception, changing the face of our community. Ash Arrowsmith, Community Recreation Coordinator for PRO Kids Riverview, explains: "Thanks to this level of support, children in our community can access programs they might not otherwise be able to afford. All children deserve the opportunity to build confidence, meet new friends, and discover their passions."

For Tristian Gaudet, President of P.R.O. Jeunesse Dieppe-Memramcook, the impact is personal: "I know firsthand how transformative this program is. As a kid, P.R.O. Kids allowed me to thrive and access activities during a time when my family was experiencing financial difficulties. Thanks to this donation, we can continue our mission and offer youth a level of participation that will change their lives, just as it did for mine."